Protective pad assembly, and related kits, applications, and methods

ABSTRACT

A protective pad assembly is provided for releasably attaching to a garment worn by a user of the protective pad assembly over a body part of the user. The protective pad assembly includes a pad, and a securing device including an exterior securing component configured to be disposed outside of the garment and an interior securing component configured to be disposed inside of the garment in substantial alignment with the exterior securing component. The exterior securing component or the interior securing component includes a male member, and the other of the exterior securing component or the interior securing component includes a female member configured to be releasably mechanically mated to the male member with the garment worn by the user captured therebetween.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) AND CLAIM(S) TO PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/213,937 filed Sep. 3, 2015, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an improved protective pad assembly for releasably attaching to a garment, applications of the protective pad assembly, and methods of releasably attaching the protective pad assembly to a garment.

BACKGROUND

Typically, protective pads and cushioning devices, such as kneepads, attach to a body part of a user over a garment by belt straps, clips, wraps, elastic stretching, glues, tapes or adhesives. For example, FIG. 1 shows a known kneepad 1 utilizing straps 3 and 4 to fasten the kneepad 1 to a knee area 7 of a leg 6 of the user. The strap 3 wraps around the back of a lower thigh portion 6 a of the leg 6, and a strap 4 wraps around an upper calf portion 6 b of the leg 6. A common drawback of such fastening straps 3 and 4 is that they can cause discomfort to the user (wearer) and constriction of blood vessels during prolonged usage, eventually leading to bruising and/or skin irritation.

FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional view of a kneepad assembly 10 disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,712,150 attached to pants 11. The kneepad assembly 10 includes a flexible inner member 12 in the form of a base cushion made of an impact absorbing material disposed inside the pants 11, and an outer member 14 in the form of a protective cushion made of an impact absorbing material disposed outside the pants 11. Securing devices use magnetic attraction to attach the outer member 14 and the inner member 12 to each other and to the pants 11. Each securing device includes an inner magnetically attractive element 16 attached to the inner member 12, and an outer magnetically attractive element 18 attached to the outer member 14. A drawback to the use of magnetically attractive elements 16 and 18 is that the elements 16 and 18 potentially can slide relative to the garment during use. Other drawbacks are the high cost and decreasing availability of neodymium magnets preferably used as the magnetically attractive elements 16 and 18.

Other known protective pad assemblies have the drawbacks of requiring permanent alterations to the garment fabric and damaging the garment fabric, such as by requiring or creating holes in the garment fabric in order to attain proper attachment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention provides a protective pad assembly for releasably attaching to a garment worn by to user of the protective pad assembly over a body part of the user. The protective pad assembly includes a pad configured to protect the body part of the user from impact and to be disposed outside of the garment. The protective pad assembly further includes a securing device including an exterior securing component configured to be disposed outside of the garment, and an interior securing component configured to be disposed inside of the garment in substantial alignment with the exterior securing component. The exterior securing component or the interior securing component comprises a male member, and the other of the exterior securing component or the interior securing component comprises a female member configured to be releasably mechanically mated to the male member with the garment worn by the user captured therebetween. The interior or exterior securing component is attached to the pad.

A second aspect of the invention provides a protective pad assembly for releasably attaching to a garment worn by a user of the protective pad assembly over a body part of the user. The protective pad assembly includes an exterior pad, an interior pad, and a securing device. The exterior pad is configured to protect the body part of the user from impact and to be disposed outside of the garment. The interior pad is configured to protect the body part of the user from impact and to be disposed inside of the garment. The securing device comprises an exterior securing component attached to the exterior pad, and an interior securing component attached to the interior pad and configured to be disposed inside of the garment in substantial alignment with the exterior securing component. The exterior securing component or the interior securing component comprises a male member, and the other of the exterior securing component or the interior securing component comprises a female member configured to be releasably mechanically mated to the male member with the garment worn by the user captured therebetween.

A third aspect of the invention provides a protective pad assembly for releasably attaching to a garment worn by a user of the protective pad assembly over a body pan of the user. The protective pad assembly includes a first pad configured to protect the body part of the user from impact and to be disposed outside of the garment, and at least one second pad configured to protect the body part of the user from impact and to be disposed adjacent to the first pad. The protective pad assembly further includes a securing device including a first securing component attached to the first pad, and a second securing component attached to the at least one second pad and configured to be disposed in substantial alignment with the first securing component. The first securing component or the second securing component comprises a first male member, and the other of the first securing component or the second securing component comprises a first female member configured to be releasably mechanically mated to the first male member. The protective pad assembly also includes an additional securing device including a third securing component attached to the at least one second pad and a fourth securing component configured to be disposed inside of the garment in substantial alignment with the third securing component. The third securing component or the fourth securing component comprises a second male member, and the other of the third securing component or the fourth securing component comprises a second female member configured to be releasably mechanically mated to the second male member.

According to further aspects of the invention, methods are provided for releasably attaching the protective pad assemblies of the first, second, and third aspects of the invention to a garment.

According to still further aspects of the invention, applications are provided in which the protective pad assemblies of the first, second, and third aspects of the invention are releasably attached to a garment.

Other aspects of the invention, including kits, assemblies, subassemblies, applications, methods, processes, and the like which constitute part of the invention, will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification. The drawings, together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments and methods given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a known kneepad attached to a pants leg or a user (wearer);

FIG. 2 is a sectional side view showing another known kneepad attached to a pants leg of a user (wearer);

FIG. 3A is a sectional side view of a protective pad assembly secured to a pants leg of a user (wearer) in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a sectional side view of the protective pad assembly of the first exemplary embodiment in an unassembled state isolated from the pants leg;

FIG. 3C is a rear view of the protective pad assembly of the first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3D is a side view of the protective pad assembly of the first exemplary embodiment in an unassembled state isolated from the pants leg;

FIG. 4A is an enlarged isolated plan view of a securing component of the protective pad assembly of the first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4B is an enlarged isolated side view of a securing component of the protective pad assembly of the first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5A is an enlarged isolated plan view of a securing component of the protective pad assembly of the first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5B is an enlarged isolated side view of a securing component of the protective pad assembly of the first exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are enlarged isolated front and side views of an interior securing component according to a variation of the first exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are enlarged isolated rear and side views of an exterior securing component according to a variation of the first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8A is an enlarged sectional side view of an adjustable tension strike and catch device in accordance with a modification of the first exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 8B and 8D are enlarged sectional side views of knuckle strike and catch device in accordance with further modifications to the first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8C is an enlarged sectional side view of a roller strike and catch device in accordance with another modification to the first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8E is a top perspective view of a spring button strike and catch device in an unmated state in accordance with still another modification of the first exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C are respectively front, side, and partially exploded side views of a protective kneepad assembly in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are front and side views of pan of a protective kneepad assembly in accordance with a variation of the second exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a sectional side view of a protective kneepad assembly in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a sectional side view of a protective kneepad assembly in an unassembled state in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a sectional side view of a transitional member of the fourth exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a sectional side view of a protective kneepad assembly in an unassembled state in accordance with a modification to the fourth exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 15A and 15B are side and front views of a protective pad assembly mounted vertically on a pant leg in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 16A and 16B are side and front views of a protective pad assembly mounted horizontally on a pant leg in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 17 is a sectional side view of a protective pad assembly secured to a pants leg of a user (wearer) in accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS AND EXEMPLARY METHODS

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments and methods of the invention. It should be noted that the invention in its broader aspects is not necessarily limited to the specific details, representative materials and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described in connection with the exemplary embodiments and exemplary methods. Like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the drawings. The specific articles illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, the word “a” as used in the claims means “at least one.”

A protective kneepad assembly according to a first exemplary embodiment is generally designated by reference numeral 20 in FIGS. 3A-3D. FIG. 3A illustrates the protective kneepad assembly 20 releasably attachable to a garment 22, such as trousers or pants. The kneepad assembly 20 includes at least a pad 24 preferably made of an impact absorbing material, more preferably of a stretchable and/or flexible cushioning material. An exterior securing component 26 is directly and non-releasably attached to the pad 24 so as to be accessible for mating to an interior securing component 28 (discussed below) via a rear surface 33 of the pad 24. The pad 24 and the exterior securing component 26 are adapted to be disposed outside of that is exterior to, the pants leg of the garment 22. The interior securing component 28 is adapted to be situated inside of, that is interior to, the pants leg of the garment 22.

The exterior securing component 26 and the interior securing component 28 collectively establish a securing device configured to releasably attach the pad member 24 to the pants 22 by capturing a thickness of the pants 22 material between the components 26 and 28. In the illustrated first exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3D, the exterior securing component 26 is embodied as a catch (a female member) and the interior securing component 28 is embodied as a strike is male member). As discussed further below, catches/female members and the strikes/male members are configured to releasably mate with one another. It should be understood, and is explained further below, that the embodied securing components 26 and 28 may be reversed or switched relative to one another, so that the exterior securing component 26 is embodied as a strike (a male member) and the interior securing component 28 is embodied as a catch (a female member).

The quantity and locations of the exterior securing components 26 are complementary to the quantity and locations of the interior securing components 28 so that in use each exterior securing component 26 is in substantial alignment with a corresponding interior securing, component 28. For example, in FIGS. 3A-3D the protective kneepad assembly 20 includes two exterior securing components 26 and two corresponding interior securing components 28 aligned with one another to establish two securing devices. It should be understood that the protective kneepad assembly 20 of this embodiment and the protective pad assemblies of the other embodiments discussed herein may include one, two, three, four, five, or other quantities of securing devices.

The mechanically mating female and male portions of the exterior securing component 26 and the interior securing component 28 are configured to include a clearance or space therebetween. The clearance/space substantially corresponds to and compensates for the garment material thickness, that is, so that the garment 22 may be received between the mechanically mating portions of the exterior and interior securing components 26 and 28 without creating any holes, tears, or the like in the garment 22. Thus, the exterior and interior securing components 26 and 28 firmly capture, grip, and secure the fabric of the garment 22 to provide increased holding strength of the protective kneepad assembly 20 onto the pants leg of the garment 22 without permitting sliding of the garment 22 relative to the mechanically mated components 26 and 28 of the securing devices.

In the first exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3D, an optional backing 30 is attached to a rear surface of the interior securing component 28 so that in use the backing 30 faces the knee of the user. An adhesive, fasteners, or a combination of adhesive and fasteners may be used to secure the backing 30 to the rear surface of the interior securing component 28. The backing 30 is desirably a material that provides soft cushioning on the skin, particularly when a front face 32 of the pad 24 is impacted. The backing 30 may be made of, for example, natural fabric, synthetic fabric, or a combination of natural and synthetic fabrics. The backing 30 material may possess moisture wicking properties. Fleece and/or plush fabric materials are particularly useful.

As best shown in FIG. 3C, the rear face 33 has a substantially oval shape from the rear view. The middle of the rear face 33 covers the knee, while the upper portion of the rear face 33 covers the lower femur and the lower portion of the rear face 33 covers the upper tibia, as shown in FIG. 3B. It shall be appreciated that the pad 24 is not restricted or limited to any one design and/or form and can be fabricated in various sizes, thicknesses, and shapes. Suitable shapes, for example, include oval, round, rectangular, square, diamond, triangular and other polygonal shapes formed by, for example, die cutting and/or molded processing.

The catch (female-containing) components and the strike (male-containing) components of the securing devices are interchangeable with one another. For example, although the exterior securing component 26 is embodied in FIGS. 3A-3D as a catch (a female) component, the exterior securing component 26 may alternatively be embodied as the strike (a male) component. Similarly, although the interior securing component 28 is embodied as a strike (a male component), the interior securing component 28 may alternatively be embodied as a catch (a female component) for releasably mechanically mating with a male exterior securing component.

An example of the exterior securing component 26 embodied as a catch is illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The exterior securing component 26 includes a plate 34 and a female member 36 fixedly joined to one another, such as by welding, fasteners, adhesive, or as a unitary/integral piece. The plate 34 and the female member 36 can be made of, for example, wood, plastic, metal, or a combination of two or more materials. The plate 34 is flat and round in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3D, 4A, and 4B to avoid any sharp edges that might dig into or tear the pad 24. However, the plate 34 may undertake other shapes and may have a non-uniform thickness. The female member 36 may undertake other configurations capable of mechanically mating with a male member (discussed below) of the interior securing component 28.

An example of the interior securing component 28 embodied as a strike is illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The interior securing component 28 includes a plate 38 and male member 40 fixedly joined to one another, such as by welding, fasteners, adhesive, or as a unitary/integral piece. The plate 38 and the male member 40 can be made of, for example, wood, plastic, metal, or a combination of two or more materials. The plate 38 is flat and round in the illustrated embodiment to avoid any sharp edges that might dig into the user's skin. However, the plate 38 may undertake other shapes and may have a non-uniform thickness. Similarly, the male member 40 may undertake other configuration capable of mechanically mating with the female member 36 of the exterior securing component 26.

The female members 36 illustrated in connection with the first exemplary embodiment includes legs that are sufficiently flexible to flare apart from one another to receive the male members 40 inserted for mating, yet sufficiently resilient to return substantially to their original configuration when mated to the male members 40, thereby mechanically retaining the male members 40 in mated relationship until a predetermined force pulls the securing members 26 and 28 apart from one another. Generally, the predetermined force required to separate the mated securing members 26 and 28 should be greater than typical forces acting on the members 26 and 28 during intended use of the protective kneepad assembly 20 by the wearer.

The exterior or interior securing components 26 or 28 can be attached and reinforced to the pad 24 (depending upon whether the pad 24 is exterior or interior to the garment 22) using any suitable fastener, means, or method. For example, according to one embodiment best illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 3D, holes (unnumbered) formed in the pad 24 permit insertion of the female members 36 therethrough. The holes have diameters sufficiently large to receive the female members 36, but smaller than the diameters of the plates 34. The female members 36 of the exterior securing component 26 are inserted through the holes from the from surface 32 of the pad 24. As best illustrated in FIG. 3B, a patch 42 is adhered to front face of the plate 34. The patch 42 has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the plate 34, so that an annular peripheral portion of the patch 42 directly contacts the front face 42 of the pad 24. A periphery of the patch 42 radially outside of the plate 34 is sewn or otherwise attached to the front face 42 of the pad 24. Although not shown, the patch 42 may be adhered to the opposite side of the plate 34 to mate the plate to the rear face 33 of the pad 24. As another alternative, multiple patches (not shown) on opposite sides of the plate 34 may be used. Any combination of sewing, adhesive, fasteners, a combination thereof, or other means or methods may be used to directly and non-releasably affix the exterior securing components 26 to the pad 24 (or to affix the interior securing components 28 to the pad 24 if the pad is disposed inside of the garment 22).

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B illustrate variations of the first exemplary embodiment in which like parts are labeled with the same reference numerals as used above in connection with the first exemplary embodiment with the addition of the suffix capital letter “A”. FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a modified interior securing component 28A including three male members 40A embodied as strikes integral with an elongate oval flat plate 38A. It shall be appreciated that the male members 40A can be arranged on the flat plate 38A in a staggered or other pattern in lieu of in the illustrated linear alignment. FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a modified exterior securing component 26A including, three female members 36A embodied as catches integral with an elongate oval flat plate 34A. It shall be appreciated that the female members 36A can be arranged on the flat plate 34A in a staggered or other pattern in lieu of the illustrated linear alignment.

The female members 36/36A and the male members 40140A are complementary in design to releasably mechanically mate with one another and provide a clearance to receive and capture the garment 22 (along a thickness direction) between the mating members 36/36A and 40/40A. In this manner, the mating exterior and interior securing components 26 and 28 of the securing devices securely affix the protective kneepad assembly 20 to a pants leg at the knee of the garment 22.

It shall be appreciated that both the female members 36/36A and the male members 40/40A are not restricted or limited to any one design and/or form, and can be fabricated in various arrangements, pull strengths, sizes, thicknesses and shapes such as speared shaped, round, rectangular, square, and oval. For example, according to further variations of the first and other exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, the securing devices with male and female members that releasably mechanically mate with one another may be embodied as an adjustable tension catch device (FIG. 8A), a knuckle catch device (FIGS. 8B and 8D), a roller catch device (FIG. 8C), a spring button catch device (FIG. 8E), a combination thereof, and other releasably mechanically mating members of securing devices. Although the securing devices described herein are configured to mechanically mate, it should be understood that the male and female members of the securing devices may (in addition to mechanically mating) be made of materials that are magnetically attractive to one another.

A protective kneepad assembly according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is generally designated by reference numeral 50 in FIGS. 9A through 9C. Components of the protective kneepad assembly 50 that are unchanged from the above described first exemplary embodiment are labeled with the same reference numerals as used above in connection with FIGS. 3A-8E. The protective kneepad assembly 50 includes a pad 54 substantially identical to pad 24 of the first exemplary embodiment, except that the pad 54 includes caps 55 attached to a front face 62 of the pad 54. The caps 55 are made of a semi-hard and/or hard material, such as a plastic, rubber, wood, metal, or a combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, an adhesive layer 57 attaches the caps 55 to the front face 62. Mechanical fasteners, sewing thread, or other fasteners, adhesive, means, or methods of attachment may be practiced instead of or in combination with the adhesive layer 57 to attach the caps 55 to the pad 54. FIGS. 9A through 9C illustrate the caps 55 with a substantially oval shape, but it should be appreciated that the caps 55 may undertake alternative shapes, such as round, rectangular, square, oval, diamond, triangular and other polygon shapes. In FIGS. 9A through 9C, the caps 55 are attached to a lower half portion of the front face 62 of the pad 54. The caps 55 additionally or alternatively may be attached to an upper half portion of the front face 62 of the pad 54, and/or to the middle of the front face 62 of the pad 54.

As best shown in FIG. 9B, the exterior securing components 26 are accessible to the interior securing components 28 at a rear face 63 of the pad 54 in the same manner described above in connection with the first exemplary embodiment. The protective kneepad assembly 50 further includes the interior securing components 28 identical to those described above in connection with the first exemplary embodiment for mechanically mating with the exterior securing components 26. The interior securing components 28 are situated within the pants leg and mate with the exterior securing components 26 to capture the garment 22.

The pad 54 is also 180 degree interchangeable, rotatable and reversible, thereby allowing the wearer to change the position of the pad 54 to relocate the caps 55 from top to the bottom and/or from the bottom to the top. Because of 180-degree interchangeability, the pad 54 serves as an all-in-one unit. Additionally, the user may substitute the plain-face (non-capped) pad 24 with the capped pad 54, further allowing the user to change the level of protection desired to adapt to the type of surface with which the wearer will come into contact.

The methods, materials, sizes, shapes, placements, improvements, alternatives, variations, and other features described above in connection with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention and FIGS. 3A-SE apply identically to the second exemplary embodiment, are incorporated herein by reference, and shall be understood to be the same unless otherwise explained or expressed differently for the second exemplary embodiment, but their description is not repeated in the interest of brevity. For example, although not shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, the protective knee assembly may include the backing layers 30 and the patches 42 illustrated in connection with the first exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a variation of the second exemplary embodiment in which like parts are labeled with the same reference numerals as used above in connection with the second exemplary embodiment with the addition of the suffix capital letter “A”. The protective kneepad assembly 50A includes three caps 55A attached to the front face 62A by adhesive 57A, it should be understood that the protective kneepad assemblies 54/54A described herein may include one, two, three, four, five, or more caps 55/55A.

A protective kneepad assembly according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention is generally designated by reference numeral 70 in FIG. 11. The protective kneepad assembly 70 is illustrated in FIG. 11 releasably attached to a pants or trousers leg of a garment 72. Components of the protective kneepad assembly 70 that are unchanged from the above-described first exemplary embodiment are labeled with the same reference numerals as used above in connection with FIGS. 3A-8E.

The protective kneepad assembly 70 includes an interior pad 74 designed to be disposed inside of the pants leg of the garment 72 and an exterior pad 76 designed to be disposed outside of the pants leg of the garment 72. The interior pad 74 and the exterior pad 76 may be flexible materials, especially impact absorbing materials that provide a cushioning effect. The protective kneepad assembly 70 further includes securing devices in the form of at least one interior securing component 78 directly and non-releasably attached to the interior pad 74 and at least one exterior securing component 80 directly and non-releasably attached to the exterior pad 76. The two securing devices illustrated in FIG. 11 both include interior securing components 78 embodied as catches and external securing devices 80 embodied as strikes, although it should be understood that either or both of the interior securing components 78 may be embodied as strikes and either or both of the external securing devices 80 may be embodied as catches, wherein each strike is paired with a catch. The interior and exterior securing components 78 and 80 are joinable in mechanically mating relationship with one another and preferably include a clearance to releasably capture the garment 72 therebetween, as shown in FIG. 11. It should be understood that the third embodiment may be modified to include a two, three, four, five, or more securing devices. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the quantity and location of the interior securing components 78 are complementary to the quantity and location of the exterior securing components 80. The interior and exterior securing components 78 and 80 may be attached to the interior pad 74 and the exterior pad 76 as discussed above in connection with the first exemplary embodiment, for example, providing holes in the pad 74 for receiving the female members of the interior exterior securing components 78, and providing counterbores is the pad 76 for receiving the male members of the exterior securing components 80. Although not shown, patches 42 or other adhesive and/or fasteners may be used to non-releasably attach the components 78 and 80 to the pads 74 and 76, respectively.

The methods, materials, sizes, shapes, placements, improvements, alternatives, variations, and other features described above in connection with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention and FIGS. 3A-8E apply identically to the third exemplary embodiment, are incorporated herein by reference, and shall be understood to be the same unless otherwise explained or expressed differently for the third exemplary embodiment, but their description is not repeated in the interest of brevity. For example, although not shown in FIG. 11, the interior securing component 78 may include the backing 30 discussed above in connection with FIGS. 3A-3D and/or the caps 55 discussed in connection with FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A, and 10B.

A protective kneepad assembly according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is generally designated by reference numeral 90 in FIGS. 12 and 13. Components of the protective kneepad assembly 90 that are unchanged from the above-described first exemplary embodiment are labeled with the same reference numerals as used above in connection with FIGS. 3A-8E.

The protective kneepad assembly 90 includes an exterior (first) pad 92 configured to be disposed outside of the pants leg of the garment, at least one transitional or intermediary (second) pad 94, and an interior (third) pad 96 configured to be disposed inside of the pants leg of the garment. The at least one transitional pad 94 is situated between the exterior pad 92 and the interior pad 96, and may be disposed inside or outside of the pants leg of the garment. The exterior, transitional, and interior pads 92, 94, and 96 may be flexible materials, especially impact absorbing materials that provide a cushioning effect. The transitional pad 94 is positioned sandwich between the exterior pad 92 and the interior pad 96. The transitional pad 94 creates an additional layer of protective cushioning of the wearer. It should be understood that the protective kneepad assembly 90 may include one, two, three, or more transitional pads 94 to further extend and provide as much additional layers of protective cushioning needed by the wearer. If more than one transitional pads 94 are included, the transitional pads optionally may be connected to one another using the strike and catch releasable mechanical mating devices described herein.

The protective kneepad assembly 90 further includes securing devices, specifically two securing devices for connecting a front face of the interior pad 96 to a rear face 98 of the transitional pad 94, and two additional securing devices for connecting a front face 99 of the transitional pad 94 to a rear face of the exterior pad 92. As best shown in FIG. 12, the securing devices each include catches 36 (female components) and strikes 40 (male components). In FIGS. 12 and 13, the interior pad 96 includes two catches 36, and the exterior pad 92 includes two strikes 40. The rear face 98 of the transitional pad 94 includes two strikes 40 for releasably mating with the two catches 36 of the interior pad 96, and the front face 99 of the transitional pad 94 includes two catches 36 for releasably mating with the strikes 40 of the exterior pad 92. The catches 36 of the inner pad 96 and the strikes 40 on the rear face 98 of the transitional pad 94 are joinable with one another in mating relationship, optionally to permit releasable capture of the garment therebetween. Similarly, the catches 36 on the front face 99 of the transitional pad 94 and the strikes 40 of the exterior pad 92 are joinable in mating relationship with one another, optionally to permit releasable capture of the garment therebetween. It should be understood that the fourth embodiment may be modified to include more or fewer securing devices. It should also be understood that the strike and catch of each mated pair are interchangeable with one another, thereby allowing for reversing of the positions of any one any combination, or all of the strikes and catches.

As best shown in FIG. 12, the strikes 40 of the exterior pad 92 and the corresponding catches 36 on the front face 99 of the adjacent transitional pad 94 are out of alignment with one another to compensate for the greater elastic deformation that the transitional pad 94 will experience than the exterior pad 92 as the protective kneepad assembly 90 is rounded to conform to the shape of the knee or other body joint. Similarly, the strikes 40 on the rear face 98 of the transitional pad 94 and the corresponding catches 36 of the adjacent interior pad 96 are out of alignment with one another to compensate for greater elastic deformation that the interior pad 96 will experience than the transitional pad 94 as the protective kneepad assembly 90 is rounded to conform to the shape of the knee or other bed joint. This offsetting or misalignment of the catches 36 and strikes 40 relative to one another in an unworn state facilitates releasable mechanical mating therebetween when the pads 92, 94, and 96 are deformed to conform to the body joint. This offsetting of securing, components may be practiced in connection with any of the exemplary embodiments described herein.

The methods, materials, sizes, shapes, placements, improvements, alternatives, variations, and other features described above in connection with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention and FIGS. 3A-8E apply identically to the fourth exemplary embodiment, are incorporated herein by reference, and shall be understood to be the same unless otherwise explained or expressed differently for the fourth exemplary embodiment, but their description is not repeated in the interest of brevity.

FIG. 14 illustrates a modification to the fourth exemplary embodiment in which in which like parts are labeled with the same reference numerals as used above in connection with the fourth exemplary embodiment with the addition of the suffix capital letter “A”. The protective kneepad assembly 90A includes a first pad 92A with caps 55A on its front surface, and a second pad 94A. The interior pad 96 of FIGS. 12 and 13 is eliminated in the modified embodiment of FIG. 14, and an interior securing component 40A is utilized without a pad. Also, the positioning of the catches (female components) 36A and the strikes (male components) 40A in FIG. 14 is reversed relative to FIGS. 12 and 13.

FIG. 17 illustrates a protective kneepad assembly according to a fifth exemplary embodiment that includes an interior pad 124 situated within a pants leg of a garment 22, and no exterior pad situated outside of the pants leg of the garment 22. Interior securing components 128 are directly and non-releasably attached to a counterbore in the rear face 133 of the interior pad 124, whereas exterior securing components 126 are not directly attached to a pad. The interior securing components 128 extend through holes in the interior pad 124 to allow for mating with the exterior securing components 126 inserted from a front face 132 side of the interior pad 124. The interior securing components 128 include backings 130 and are fixed to the interior pad 124 by patches 142. As shown in FIG. 17, the interior securing components 128 include female members and the exterior securing components 126 include male members. It should be understood that the interior and exterior securing components 126 and 128 of either or both pairs of securing devices may be reversed, so that interior securing component 126 includes a male member and the exterior securing component 128 includes a female components. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the female members of the interior securing components 128 are configured to releasably mechanically mate to the male members of the exterior securing components 126 inserted perpendicular to the front face 132 of the pad 124 to releasably capture the garment 22 worn by the user therebetween.

The methods, materials, sizes, shapes, placements, improvements, alternatives, variations, and other features described above in connection with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention and FIGS. 3A-8E apply identically to the fifth exemplary embodiment, are incorporated herein by reference, and shall be understood to be the same unless otherwise explained or expressed differently for the fifth exemplary embodiment, but their description is not repeated in the interest of brevity. For example, it should be understood that the fifth exemplary embodiment, like the other exemplary embodiments, may be modified to include one, two, three, four, five, or more securing devices. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the quantity and location of the interior securing components 128 are complementary to the quantity and location of the exterior securing components 126. The interior securing components 128 may be attached to the interior pad 124 as discussed above in connection with the first exemplary embodiment, for example, providing holes in the pad 124 for receiving the female members of the interior securing components 128, and providing patches 142 or other adhesive and/or fasteners to attach the components 128 to the pad 124.

As shown in FIGS. 3A, 11, 15A, 15B, and 17, the protective kneepad assemblies disclosed herein are mountable vertically on the knee. The vertical orientation is best for attaching the protective kneepad assemblies to slim to regular fit pants. Alternatively, protective kneepad assemblies disclosed herein are mountable horizontally on the knee, as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B. The horizontal orientation is best for attaching the protective kneepad assemblies to baggy pants.

The protective pad assemblies described herein may be configured for other body parts, particularly body joints such as a protective elbow pad assembly for a shirt sleeve to protect the elbow. Other possible body parts that may be protected by the protective pad assembly include, by way of non-limiting examples, shins, wrists, shoulders, the torso, and the neck.

The protective pad assemblies in accordance exemplary embodiments described herein is an economical alternative to the prior art and is an improved pad assembly that incorporates improved securing devices in the form of interior and exterior securing components with female (catch) and male (strike) members that mechanically mate (without requiring magnetic attraction) to secure the protective pad assemblies to the garment so as to permit limitation or elimination of the use of expensive magnets and alterations of the fabric and garment. The interior and exterior securing components firmly capture the garment to grip and clamp the garment in place relative to the securing components. In this manner, the interior and exterior securing components mechanically mating with the garment substantially eliminate slippage and sliding movement of the protective pad assemblies relative to the garments, which still permitting relatively simple mechanical release to permit removal of the protective pad assemblies from the garments.

The protective pad assemblies of the exemplary embodiments may be attached to the garment 22 while the garment 22 is worn by the user, or before the user puts on the garment 22. Generally, “interior” parts of the protective pad assemblies to be are worn inside of the garment 22 may be slid into the garment, such as up or down a pants leg or shirt sleeve, into position over the knee, elbow, or other body part to be protected. The exterior securing members are mated with the interior securing members (by inserting the male member into the female member of the female member into engagement with the male member) to capture the garment 22 therebetween. Adjustments to the positioning of the pad(s) on the body part may be made by unmating the securing components, adjusting the pad(s), and re-mating the securing components to capture the garment r.

The method may be accomplished using additional or fewer steps. Also, the steps may be performed in various sequences.

The structures, methods, and other features of the embodiments described above may be combined with one another and modified by persons skilled in the art having reference to this disclosure.

The description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration in accordance with the provisions of the Patent Statutes. While the exemplary embodiments of the present invention described with the reference to the kneepad assembly, it will be appreciated that the present invention is equally applicable to other variations and alternative embodiments, such as an elbow pad assembly for releasable attaching to a garment such as a shirt or jacket (not shown). The description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Multiple variations and alternative embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments disclosed hereinabove are chosen in order to best illustrate the principles of the present invention and its practical application to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated as long as the principles described herein are followed. The application is intended to cover variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains. It is also intended that the scope of the present invention be defined by the claims appended thereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective pad assembly for releasably attaching to a garment worn by a user of said protective pad assembly over a body part of the user, said protective pad assembly comprising: a pad configured to protect the body part of the user from impact; and a securing device comprising an exterior securing component configured to be disposed outside of the garment, and a interior securing component configured to be disposed inside of the garment in substantial alignment with said exterior securing component, said exterior securing component or said interior securing component comprising a male member, and the other of said exterior securing component or said interior securing component comprising a female member configured to be releasably mechanically mated to said male member with the garment worn by the user captured therebetween, wherein the interior securing component or the exterior component is attached to the pad.
 2. The protective pad assembly of claim 1, wherein said male and female members are configured to releasably mechanically mate with one another to firmly capture the garment therebetween in a manner that prevents slippage of the garment relative to said releasably mechanically mated male and female members.
 3. The protective pad assembly of claim 1, wherein said male member comprises a strike attached to a corresponding first plate and wherein said female member comprises a catch attached to a corresponding second plate.
 4. The protective pad assembly of claim 1, wherein said male and female members are configured to include a clearance therebetween when releasably mechanically mated with one another, the clearance being configured to receive and capture the garment.
 5. The protective pad assembly of claim 1, wherein said securing device comprises a roller catch, a knuckle catch, an adjustable tension catch, a spring button catch, or a combination thereof.
 6. The protective pad assembly of claim 1, wherein said pad comprises an exterior pad to which said exterior securing component is attached, and wherein said interior securing component is not attached to an interior pad configured to be disposed inside of the garment.
 7. The protective pad assembly of claim 1, wherein said pad comprises an interior pad to which said interior securing component is attached, and wherein said exterior securing component is not attached to an exterior pad configured to be disposed outside of the garment.
 8. The protective pad assembly of claim 1, wherein said exterior pad further comprises a protective cap.
 9. A protective pad assembly for releasably attaching to a garment worn by a user of said protective pad assembly over a body part of the user, said protective pad assembly comprising: an exterior pad configured to protect the body part of the user from impact and to be disposed outside of the garment; an interior pad configured to protect the body part of the user from impact and to be disposed inside of the garment; and a securing device comprising an exterior securing component attached to said exterior pad, and an interior securing component attached to said interior pad and configured to be disposed inside of the garment in substantial alignment with said exterior securing component, said exterior securing component or said interior securing component comprising a male member and the other of said exterior securing component or said interior securing component comprising a female member configured to be releasably mechanically mated to said male member with the garment worn by the user captured therebetween.
 10. The protective pad assembly of claim 9, wherein said male and female members are configured to releasably mechanically mate with one another to firmly capture the garment therebetween in a manner that prevents slippage of the garment relative to said releasably mechanically mated male and female members.
 11. The protective pad assembly of claim 9, wherein said male member comprises a strike attached to a corresponding first plate and wherein said female member comprises a catch attached to a corresponding second plate.
 12. The protective pad assembly of claim 9, wherein said male and female members are configured to include a clearance therebetween when releasably mechanically mated with one another, the clearance being configured to receive and capture the garment.
 13. The protective pad assembly of claim 9, wherein said securing device comprises a roller catch, a knuckle catch, an adjustable tension catch, a spring button catch, or a combination thereof.
 14. The protective pad assembly of claim 9, wherein said exterior pad further comprises a protective cap.
 15. A protective pad assembly for releasably attaching to a garment worn by a user of said protective pad assembly over a body part of the user, said protective pad assembly comprising: a first pad configured to protect the body part of the user from impact and to be disposed outside of the garment; at least one second pad configured to protect the body part of the user from impact and to be disposed adjacent to said first pad; a securing device comprising a first securing component attached to said first pad, and a second securing component attached to said at least one second pad and configured to be disposed in substantial alignment with said first securing component, said first securing component or said second securing component comprising a first male member, and the other of said first securing component or said second securing component comprising a first female member configured to be releasably mechanically mated to said first male member; and an additional securing, device comprising a third securing component attached to said at least one second pad, and a fourth securing component configured to be disposed inside of the garment in substantial alignment with said third securing component, said third securing component or said fourth securing component comprising a second male member, and the other of said third securing component or said fourth securing component comprising a second female member configured to be releasably mechanically mated to said second male member.
 16. The protective pad assembly of claim 15, further comprising a third pad configured to protect the body part of the user from impact and to be disposed inside of the garment, wherein the fourth securing device is attached to the third pad.
 17. The protective pad assembly of claim 15, wherein said first male member and said first female member are configured to releasably mechanically mate with one another to firmly capture the garment therebetween in a manner that prevents slippage of the garment relative to said releasably mechanically mated first male and female members.
 18. The protective pad assembly of claim 15, wherein said second male member and said second female member are configured to releasably mechanically mate with one another to firmly capture the garment therebetween in a manner that prevents slippage of the garment relative to said releasably mechanically mated second male and female members.
 19. The protective pad assembly of claim 15, wherein said fast and second male members comprise strikes attached to corresponding first plates and wherein said first and second female members comprise catches attached to corresponding second plates.
 20. The protective pad assembly of claim 17, wherein said first male member and said first female member are configured to include a clearance therebetween when releasably mechanically mated with one another, the clearance being configured to receive and capture the garment.
 21. The protective pad assembly of claim 18, wherein said second male member and said second female member are configured to include a clearance therebetween when releasably mechanically mated with one another, the clearance being configured to receive and capture the garment.
 22. The protective pad assembly of claim 15, wherein said additional securing device comprises a roller catch, a knuckle catch, an adjustable tension catch, a spring button catch, or a combination thereof.
 23. The protective pad assembly of claim 15, wherein said first pad further comprises a protective cap. 